​ ​ Cloud Computing Training

Report Task: 01​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Dated: 19th Feb 2025
By: Rabbiya Tabassum

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services including servers, storage, databases,
networking, software, analytics, and intelligence over the internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster
innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. You typically pay only for cloud services
you use, helping you lower your operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently, and
scale as your business needs change.

Key Aspects of Cloud Computing

Scalability: Resources can be increased or decreased based on demand.

Flexibility: Access from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cost Efficiency: Pay only for the resources you use (pay-as-you-go model).
Security: Providers offer built-in security tools, but customers must also manage their own
security settings.
Automation: Many cloud processes are automated, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has revolutionized IT infrastructure by offering several benefits:

a) Cost Savings
⦁​ Eliminates the need for purchasing expensive hardware and software.
⦁​ Companies pay only for the resources they use.
b) Scalability and Performance
⦁​ Cloud platforms allow businesses to scale resources up or down based on demand.
⦁​ High availability ensures minimal downtime.
c) Security
⦁​ Cloud providers offer security features like encryption, identity access management
(IAM), and compliance certifications.
⦁​ Example: AWS IAM controls user access to AWS services.
d) Disaster Recovery & Backup
⦁​ Cloud storage solutions provide automatic backups and disaster recovery options.
⦁​ Example: Google Drive and Dropbox automatically sync and back up files.
e) Flexibility & Remote Work
⦁​ Cloud enables employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
⦁​ Example: SaaS applications like Microsoft 365 allow teams to collaborate in real time.

Cloud Computing Challenges:

Despite its benefits, cloud computing has challenges:

a) Security & Compliance

⦁​ Data breaches and cyberattacks remain concerns.
⦁​ Solution: Use IAM, firewalls, and encryption.
b) Vendor Lock-in
⦁​ Migrating from one cloud provider to another can be difficult.
⦁​ Solution: Adopt a multi-cloud strategy.
c) Latency & Performance
⦁​ Cloud services depend on internet connectivity.
⦁​ Solution: Use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for better performance.

Future of Cloud Computing:

Cloud computing is evolving with new technologies:

a) Edge Computing
⦁​ Processes data closer to users to reduce latency.
⦁​ Example: Smart cities using IoT sensors for real-time data.
b) Serverless Computing
⦁​ Developers focus on writing code without managing servers.
⦁​ Example: AWS Lambda runs code in response to events.
c) Quantum Computing
⦁​ Cloud providers invest in quantum computing for advanced problem-solving.
⦁​ Example: Google’s Quantum AI project.

Cloud Service Models

Cloud computing services are categorized into three primary models, each offering different
levels of control, management, and responsibility:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) : Provides virtualized computing resources.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) : Offers a development environment for building applications.
Software as a Service (SaaS) : Delivers software applications over the internet.
Each model is designed to meet different business and technical needs.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS provides fundamental computing resources like virtual machines, storage, and networking
over the internet. It is the most flexible cloud model, allowing users to rent infrastructure instead
of buying and maintaining physical hardware.

Key Features of IaaS:

●​ Virtual machines (VMs) and compute power
●​ Scalable storage (file storage)
●​ Networking (virtual networks, load balancers)
●​ Pay-as-you-go pricing model
●​ High availability and disaster recovery
Examples of IaaS Providers:
●​ Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2 Virtual machines
●​ Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines Compute resources
●​ Google Cloud Compute Engine Scalable VMs
●​ IBM Cloud Infrastructure Hybrid cloud solutions
When to Use IaaS?
●​ When you need full control over infrastructure.
●​ Hosting web applications, databases, and storage solutions.
●​ Running big data analytics or machine learning workloads.
●​ Supporting disaster recovery and backup solutions.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS provides a managed environment for developers to build, test, and deploy applications
without worrying about infrastructure. It includes development tools, databases, middleware,
and operating systems.

Key Features of PaaS:

●​ Fully managed runtime environment
●​ Supports multiple programming languages (Node.js, Python, Java, etc.)
●​ Built-in scalability and load balancing
●​ Managed databases and development tools
●​ Automatic updates and security patches

Examples of PaaS Providers:

●​ AWS Elastic Beanstalk: Deploy and manage web applications
●​ Google App Engine : Serverless application platform
●​ Microsoft Azure App Services: Web and mobile application hosting
●​ Heroku: Cloud application platform for developers

When to Use PaaS?

●​ When you want to focus on coding instead of infrastructure management.
●​ Developing mobile or web applications quickly.
 ●​ Building APIs and microservices.
●​ Deploying applications without managing servers.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers ready-to-use applications over the internet. Users access the software via a web
browser without installing or maintaining it.

Key Features of SaaS:

●​ No installation or maintenance required
●​ Access from any device with internet connection
●​ Automatic updates and security patches
●​ Subscription-based pricing model
●​ Multi-tenancy architecture

Examples of SaaS Providers:

●​ Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
●​ Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams)
●​ Dropbox (Cloud storage and file sharing)
●​ Salesforce (CRM for businesses)
●​ Zoom (Video conferencing platform)

When to Use SaaS?

●​ When you need instant access to software without installation.
●​ For collaborative work, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Teams.
●​ When managing customer relationships (CRM software like Salesforce).
●​ To reduce IT overhead and focus on business processes.

Cloud Deployment Models: Public, Private,

Hybrid, and Multi-Cloud
Cloud deployment models define how cloud resources are deployed, accessed, and managed.
Each model has unique advantages depending on security, scalability, cost, and control
requirements.

1. Public Cloud
A public cloud is a cloud computing model where computing resources (like servers, storage,
and applications) are owned and operated by third-party providers and delivered over the
internet.

Key Features:
●​ Shared Infrastructure : Resources are shared among multiple customers (multi-tenancy).
●​ Cost-Effective: Pay-as-you-go pricing model reduces upfront costs.
 ●​ Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on demand.
●​ Accessibility: Services are available from anywhere with an internet connection.
●​ Managed by Cloud Provider: The provider handles maintenance, security, and upgrades.

Examples of Public Cloud Providers:

●​ Amazon Web Services (AWS)
●​ Microsoft Azure
●​ Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
●​ IBM Cloud

When to Use Public Cloud?

●​ Startups and small businesses with limited budgets.
●​ Applications requiring high scalability (e.g., e-commerce platforms).
●​ Hosting websites, SaaS applications, and collaboration tools.
●​ Companies needing global availability.

2. Private Cloud
A private cloud is a cloud computing model dedicated to a single organization. It can be hosted
on-premises (within the company’s data center) or by a third-party provider.

Key Features:
●​ Exclusive Resources : Infrastructure is not shared with other organizations.
●​ Higher Security & Compliance : Suitable for industries with strict regulations (e.g.,
finance, healthcare, government).
●​ Customization : Organizations can configure infrastructure to meet specific
requirements.
●​ More Control : Companies manage their own data, security, and networking.

Examples of Private Cloud Solutions:

●​ VMware vSphere : Virtualized private cloud infrastructure
●​ OpenStack: Open-source cloud management platform
●​ Microsoft Azure Stack: Extends Azure services to private data centers
●​ IBM Cloud Private : Secure cloud for enterprises

When to Use Private Cloud?

●​ Enterprises requiring full control over data and security.
●​ Financial institutions needing compliance with strict data regulations.
●​ Government agencies handling confidential data.
●​ Healthcare organizations following HIPAA compliance.

3. Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud combines both public and private clouds, allowing organizations to move
workloads between them based on business needs.
Key Features:
●​ Flexibility: Businesses can keep sensitive data in a private cloud and run applications in
a public cloud.
●​ Cost Optimization: Public cloud is used for scalability, while private cloud is used for
critical workloads.
●​ Business Continuity: Ensures disaster recovery by backing up data between clouds.
●​ Security & Compliance: Protects sensitive data while leveraging public cloud scalability.

Examples of Hybrid Cloud Solutions:

●​ AWS Outposts : Extends AWS services to on-premises infrastructure
●​ Microsoft Azure Hybrid Cloud Integrates on-premises with Azure services
●​ Google Anthos Hybrid cloud platform for multi-cloud environments
●​ VMware Cloud on AWS Extends VMware workloads to the cloud

When to Use Hybrid Cloud?

●​ Enterprises with on-premises infrastructure but wanting cloud scalability.
●​ E-commerce platforms handling sensitive customer data privately while using public
cloud for traffic spikes.
●​ Disaster recovery solutions to replicate data across cloud environments.
●​ Regulated industries needing to comply with data residency laws.

4. Multi-Cloud
A multi-cloud strategy involves using multiple public cloud providers (e.g., AWS + Azure +
Google Cloud) to avoid vendor lock-in and increase reliability.

Key Features:
●​ Avoids Vendor Lock-In Reduces reliance on a single cloud provider.
●​ Best of Both Worlds Choose different providers based on service strengths (e.g., AWS
for compute, Google Cloud for AI).
●​ Improved Redundancy Distributes workloads across multiple clouds to improve uptime.
●​ Compliance & Risk Management Meets regulatory requirements by storing data in
different regions.

Examples of Multi-Cloud Strategies:

●​ Netflix Uses AWS for video streaming and Google Cloud for AI analytics.
●​ Airbnb Combines AWS and Google Cloud for hosting and data processing.
●​ Uber Uses AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure for different services.

When to Use Multi-Cloud?

●​ Enterprises wanting to avoid vendor lock-in.
●​ Applications needing high availability across different regions.
●​ Workloads with different requirements, such as using AWS for compute and Google
Cloud for machine learning.
●​ Disaster recovery planning by replicating data across multiple clouds.
Core Cloud Concepts
1. Virtualization:
Definition:
Virtualization is the process of creating virtual instances of computing resources (servers,
storage, networks) on a single physical machine using a hypervisor.

Key Benefits:
●​ Improves resource utilization
●​ Enables multi-tenancy (multiple users sharing infrastructure)
●​ Supports cloud scalability and automation

Example:
AWS EC2 instances use virtualization to provide multiple virtual machines on a single physical
server.

2. Containers
Definition:
Containers package an application and its dependencies into a lightweight, portable unit that
runs the same way across different environments.

Key Benefits:
●​ Faster than Virtual Machines (VMs)
●​ Portable across cloud and on-premises environments
●​ Supports microservices architecture

Example:
Docker and Kubernetes allow applications to run in isolated containers, ensuring consistency
across development and production environments.

3. Networking
Definition:
Cloud networking connects cloud resources using virtual networks, firewalls, and load balancers
to ensure secure and efficient communication.

Key Components:
●​ Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) : Isolated cloud network
●​ Subnets : Segmented parts of a network
●​ Load Balancers : Distribute traffic across multiple servers
●​ Firewalls & Security Groups: Control inbound/outbound traffic
Example:
AWS VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) allows businesses to create isolated network environments
within the cloud.

4. Security
Definition:
Cloud security protects cloud applications, data, and infrastructure from threats.

Key Security Practices:

●​ Identity & Access Management (IAM) : Controls who can access resources
●​ Encryption : Protects data at rest and in transit
●​ Firewalls & Security Groups: Prevent unauthorized access
●​ Compliance & Auditing: Ensures cloud security policies follow industry standards (ISO,
GDPR, HIPAA)

Example:
AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management) allows organizations to define role-based access
control (RBAC).

5. Storage
Definition:
Cloud storage provides on-demand, scalable storage solutions for storing and managing data.
Types of Cloud Storage:

●​ Block Storage : For virtual machines (AWS EBS, Azure Managed Disks)
●​ Object Storage : For unstructured data (AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage)
●​ File Storage : For shared file access (AWS EFS, Azure Files)

Example:
AWS S3 (Simple Storage Service) stores backup files, logs, and media content at scale.

6. Compute
Definition:
Cloud compute resources provide processing power for applications.

Compute Models:
●​ Virtual Machines (IaaS) : AWS EC2, Azure Virtual Machines
●​ Serverless Computing (FaaS) AWS Lambda, Azure Functions
●​ Containers (PaaS) AWS Fargate, Google Cloud Run

Example:
AWS EC2 instances provide scalable virtual servers to run applications in the cloud.